A Note to Mom

Hi Kris Just checking to see if you are okay you haven't been blogging since before Christmas. I've been waitng to see some pictures of your Christmas. How did the Johnston family dinner go? And are the kids back in school today? We are doing great the weather today is very warm. I did some laundry this morning. Talk to you soon love you MOM

My mom. She's going to absolutely love that I've posted her email for you all to see. She is putting up with Florida for the winter. It's terrible but I guess someone has to do it.

She is right. I haven't blogged in a while and I've posted no pictures. 

I have no excuse.......well, maybe a couple. We only have one computer in the house and with the kids home over break, finding computer time was almost impossible. One of my Christmas gifts was a new camera and of course I was stumped by the change. It took awhile to get everything in place, I think we're getting it. Also, it was break, I was lazy and sitting at the computer was honestly not that appealing. 

Break is over. The New Year has begun. Here we go.

The house is ready. Where is everyone?

I think they're coming.

Do we have everything ready?

They're here!

Wait. Let's take a picture of everyone before we eat.

Hey. No one is paying attention. Let's try it again.

Better. Not good but better.

Here's some of the favorites from the meal.

Egg Nog Punch. This is Farmer Boy's all time favorite Christmas treat.
Take a carton of egg nog and add 7-UP. Sprinkle some nutmeg on top and you're done!

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. I made these the day before which was a huge blessing. They were also a hit with everyone. I didn't tell anyone that they are not exactly fat free. Hey, it was Christmas.

Mom's Sweet and Sour Vegetable Marinade.
This was surprisingly a hit. I made it thinking that no one would really care for it. Vegetables are my thing, not necessarily something the Johnston clan would reach for. They reached for this and since my sisters-in-law both wanted the recipe, I thought this was a perfect time to post it.

1/2 cup sugar ( I only used about 1/4 cup). Experiment to your taste.
2 tablespoons vinegar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons minced green onions
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
Dash of garlic powder but my mom and I use the real thing. I think I used 1 clove.

Put sugar and vinegar in blender and blend. Add remaining ingredients and blend well. Pour over vegetables and chill at least three hours.

My mom uses broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots, celery and some onion. I did the same and added some cherry tomatoes.

Delish. Easy. Another make ahead item to help alleviate the stress of the big day.

How's that mom?

Yes, the kids are back at school so I'll try to blog more often. It's cold here. Very cold. I'm glad it's warm there but could you not rub it in?

Thanks for the marinade recipe. It was like having a bit of you here.

I missed not seeing you this year at Christmas. I love you too.

I'm not going to do laundry today.

Happy New Year!